Public defence in Building Technology, M.Sc. (Econ.) Minna Sandelin

Title of the thesis: Employees' experiences in knowledge-based organisations: towards an age-friendly design and management of work environments for older workers

Thesis defender: Minna Sandelin
Opponent: Prof. Kirsimarja Blomqvist, LUT University, Finland
Custos: Prof. Antti Peltokorpi, Aalto University School of Engineering

In recent years, work environments have changed significantly. The shift towards work that is not being bound to any particular time or place has compelled the development of alternative ways of working. At the same time, population ageing presents new challenges, as the future workforce increasingly consists of older knowledge workers. This thesis examines these changes and challenges from the perspective of knowledge workers over the age of 50, as well as from the viewpoints of management and experts.

In Finland and globally, research on work environments has traditionally focused on physical work environments. With advances in technology, virtual work environments have also begun to receive attention. Recently, the importance of social work environment has been highlighted, particularly in terms of productivity and sense of community. These dimensions have often been studied separately, and only rarely together. The aim of this thesis is to integrate these three dimensions and to identify the factors that support older employees' work and improve their work environment.

The research material consists of the work environment experiences of knowledge workers over the age of 50, collected using a visual probe method. In addition, the data includes insights form management and experts, gathered through interviews.

The results reveal many valuable employee experiences and highlight several strategies used by management to design and manage work environments. One of the most notable findings is the need to address ergonomic solutions for remote and hybrid work, with particular emphasis on supporting cognitive ergonomics. The importance of social spaces and collaboration-supporting events in the transfer of expertise and tacit knowledge should be better acknowledged. Flexible working hours and locations support the increasing need of older employees to act as caregivers for their ageing parents. In addition, the findings emphasise the need for more systematic and integrated workplace management.

This doctoral research provides valuable knowledge to support decision making at the individual, organisational, and societal levels. The public defence offers an opportunity to deepen the understanding of how work environments can be developed more holistically to support employee well-being.

Keywords: employee experience, older knowledge worker, work environment, workplace design and management, integrated workplace management, age-friendly, case study

Thesis available for public display 7 days prior to the defence at Aaltodoc. 

Contact information: Minna Sandelin, +358 40 197 6161, minna@inspaces.fi, www.inspaces.fi